ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs
Metro rail/Regional Rapid Transit System operational/under implementation in 13 States
Urban transport, which is an integral part of urban development, is a state subject. Hence, respective State Governments are responsible for initiating, developing and funding urban transport infrastructure including metro rail projects. Central Government considers financial assistance for metro rail proposals in cities or urban agglomerates, on the basis of extant policy, feasibility of the proposal and availability of resources, as and when posed by the concerned State Governments. At present, metro rail/Regional Rapid Transit System  are operational/under implementation in National Capital Territory  of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, West Bengal, Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Kerala, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar.
Government of Andhra Pradesh  was requested in 2017 to revise the proposals for implementation of Metro Rail Projects in Vijayawada and Vishakhapatnam in line with the provisions of Metro Rail Policy-2017. GoAP has not yet submitted revised proposal in this regard.
GoAP had also submitted a proposal for external financial assistance from Korean EXIM Bank for a Light Metro Rail Project in Visakhapatnam on Public Private Partnership  mode. The Korean side, after examining the proposal conveyed their inability to finance the Project. GoAP was, therefore, advised that the project proposal may be posed by them to some other bilateral/multilateral agencies for loan assistance through web portal of the Department of Economic Affairs as per the extant guidelines. No fresh proposal for external assistance for Light Metro Rail Project in Visakhapatnam has been received from GoAP in this regard.
This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Kaushal Kishore, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Union P&NG state minister distributes free LPG connection under UJJWALA 2.0 in Manipur’s Thoubal district
Union minister of state for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Labour & Employment Rameswar Teli attended a free LPG connection distribution function organized by Imphal division of Indian Oil Corporation Limited in Manipur’s Thoubal district today. The Union minister distributed LPG connections to 20 women beneficiaries under UJJWALA 2.0 scheme during the function held at Mela Ground Unity Hall at Thoubal district headquarter.
Speaking on the occasion, the Union minister said that those households which are yet to have the LPG connection should avail the benefit of the scheme. Along with a deposit-free LPG connection, Ujjwala 2.0 is providing the first refill and hotplate free of cost to the beneficiaries, he said.
“We envisage a smoke free India by providing LPG connections to additional one crore households under Ujjwala 2.0,” he said. While highlighting the Central sponsored scheme, Teli said that LPG stoves should be there in every household across the country. The scheme targets 100% coverage of households which are yet to have the LPG connection.
Minister said that after the success of the UJJWALA 1.0, the Narendra Modi led government at the Centre had launched UJJWALA 2.0 with the objective of covering the households which are yet to switch the LPG stoves. He said that after eight crore households were benefited by the UJJWALA1.0, the Centre extended the scheme to cover one crore more beneficiaries.
In Manipur, 1.56 households had been covered by the first phase of the scheme and since the launch of the second phase by the Prime Minister in August this year, free LPG connection had been provided to 8,500 households till November 1 last, he said.
Manipur works minister Thongam Bishwajit Singh who also attended the function said that the scheme was a part of empowerment of women which the Modi-led government at the Centre is giving emphasis.
He said “This is not to vote for BJP but to empower women."He said that the BJP-led government at the Centre is committed to make India self-reliant and without making Manipur a self-reliant state, India cannot be a self-reliant country.To achieve the goal, empowering women is a must. That is why, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is giving emphasis to improving the condition of women in the society, he asserted.
The free LPG gas connection distribution function was also attended by MLA P. Brojen, BJP Manipur Pradesh president A Sarda Devi, officials of the Imphal division of IOC and officials of Thoubal district administration, among others.
Prime Minister's Office
PM and Australian PM witness part of 4th Commemorative Test Match of Border-Gavaskar Trophy at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Cricket, a common passion in India and Australia: PM
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Australia, Mr Anthony Albanese witnessed part of the 4th Commemorative Cricket Test Match of Border-Gavaskar Trophy at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat today.
Replying to a tweet by Prime Minister of Australia, Mr Anthony Albanese, the Prime Minister tweeted:
“Cricket, a common passion in India and Australia! Glad to be in Ahmedabad with my good friend, PM Anthony Albanese to witness parts of the India-Australia Test Match. I am sure it will be an exciting game!”
Sharing glimpses of the test match from Ahmedabad, the Prime Minister tweeted:
“Some more glimpses from Ahmedabad. It is cricket all over!”
The Prime Minister’s Office tweeted:
“Celebrating 🇮🇳 🇦🇺 friendship through cricket! 🏏
Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Anthony Albanese watch parts of #INDvsAUS match in Ahmedabad.”
Upon arriving, the Prime Minister and the Australian counterpart, Mr Anthony Albanese were felicitated by the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India. Shri Jay Shah and President BCCI, Shri Roger Binny, respectively. The Prime Minister and the Prime Minister of Australia also witnessed a cultural performance, Unity of Symphony by singer Ms Falgui Shah.
The Prime Minister handed over the Test Cap to the captain of Team India, Shri Rohit Sharma while the Australian PM handed over the Test Cap to the Australian captain, Mr Steve Smith. This was followed by the Prime Minister and the Australian PM taking a guard of honour in a golf cart before the huge crowd in the stadium.
The two team captains proceeded down to the pitch for the toss while the Prime Minister and Australian counterpart moved towards the Friendship Hall of Fame for a walkthrough. Former Indian Team coach and player, Shri Ravi Shastri accompanied the Prime Ministers of both nations and explained the rich cricketing history between India and Australia.
This was followed by the two team captains accompanying the respective Prime Ministers of both nations to the field of play. The two captains introduced the team to the respective Prime Ministers followed by the national anthem of India and Australia. The Prime Minister and the Australian Prime Minister then moved to the President’s Box to view the test match between the two cricketing giants.
Ministry of Labour & Employment
Shri Santosh Gangwar writes to States/Uts to designate Nodal Officers for coordinated efforts for resolving Grievances of Workers in the country
Union Minister of State  for Labour and Employment Shri Santosh Gangwar has requested various State/UT Governments to designate a nodal officer from Labour Department to coordinate with Control Rooms set up by Union Government for addressing issues of the labour/workers in the country in view of the lockdown announced to combat COVID-19 pandemic. In a letter written by Shri Gangwar yesterday to the Labour Ministers of State/UT Governments, he said that the officers in the Labour Departments may be sensitised about these 20 Control Rooms. Underlining the need for coordinated efforts of the Central and State Governments, Shri Gangwar said, "the coordinated efforts of Central and State Governments are required in order to resolve the grievances of the workers."
Ministry of Labour and Employment had recently set up 20 Control Rooms under the Chief Labour Commissioner  on pan India basis due to issues of workers arising in the backdrop of COVID-19. Initially Control Rooms were concerned with wage related grievances related to central sphere and issues of migrant labour.
However, after operation of Control Rooms in the last few days, it has been observed that out a total 2100 grievances received in the 20 Control Rooms till yesterday, 1400 pertains to various State/UT Governments. As such, labour being a concurrent subject, it is important that a proper coordination is established with various State/UT Governments to resolve the grievances. The Minister also forwarded the list of 20 Central Control Rooms alongwith names of officers deputed by the Central Government for ready reference.
Ministry of Defence
Chief of The Air Staff Felicitates Outstanding Sportsmen
An impressive ceremony was held at Air Force Station New Delhi on 28 March 2019 to felicitate meritorious sportsmen of IAF who have excelled at National and International arena. The ceremony was organized by Air Force Sports Control Board and Chief of the Air Staff was the chief guest. The ceremony was attended by top dignitaries of IAF which included Air Officer-In-charge Administration and Director General . Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa PVSM AVSM YSM VM ADC, Chief of the Air Staff felicitated 21 sportsmen and seven teams of IAF and gave away the mementos.
The CAS also unfolded the Indian Air Force Sports Brochure containing the achievements of IAF sportsmen.
In his address, the CAS praised Air Force Sports Control Board for the stellar achievements during the last one year and for providing world class infrastructure and equipment to the sportsmen. He congratulated the achievers and advised them to maintain the level of perseverance and consistency. He emphasized on the importance of possessing high degree of fitness, zeal, enthusiasm and strong will in order to sustain and achieve excellence in the field of sports. The CAS also expressed happiness over achievements in the field of sports by IAF which is in addition to carrying out operational and maintenance tasks.
Ministry of Railways
Initiatives to Improve Quality of Food Served in Rajdhani Trains
It is a continuous endeavour of Indian Railways  to provide good quality food as per notified quantity and prescribed norms and standards by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India . Major initiatives undertaken to improve the quality of food being served to the passengers of trains including Rajdhani trains are as under:
- Upgradation of Base Kitchen/Kitchen Units undertaken.
- Installation of CCTV Cameras in Base Kitchens /Kitchen Units for real time monitoring of food preparation at source.
- Deployment of on board Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited  supervisors in Rajdhani trains.
- QR codes have been introduced on food packets enabling display of details like name of kitchen, date of packaging, expiry date, weight, etc.
- Third Party Audit is done to examine hygiene and cleanliness in Pantry Cars and Kitchen Units. Customer satisfaction survey is also conducted.
- To ensure compliance of FSSAI guidelines, certification from Designated Food Safety Officers of each catering unit has been made mandatory.
- Food Safety Supervisors have been deployed at Kitchen Units to monitor food safety and hygienic practices.
- Regular and surprise inspections are conducted by Railway/ IRCTC officials including Food Safety Officers.
- In addition to the above steps, there is a robust system in place for passenger feedback and complaints redressal through Rail Madad, Twitter handle @ IR CATERING, CPGRAMS, E-Mail and SMS.
Food samples are being collected regularly as a part of inspection and monitoring mechanism to ensure that quality of meals being supplied on trains is up to the mark. During the last three years and till date, 787 samples were collected by Railways/IRCTC.
During the last three years and till date , a total of 6361 complaints were received for catering services in Rajdhani trains. Suitable action including imposition of fines, Discipline and Appeal Rules  action etc. was taken in each and every case.
This information was given by the Minister of Railways, Communications and Electronic & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Education
National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage and pilot project of Balvatika 49 Kendriya Vidyalayas launched
Key Highlights:
-National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage and the pilot project of Balvatika 49 Kendriya Vidyalayas were launched by Union Education Minister across the country on 20th Oct 2022 at New Delhi.
The National Curriculum Framework for Early Childhood Care and Education , called Foundational Stage is one of the four National Curriculum Frameworks . It is the first ever integrated Curriculum Framework for children between ages 3-8 in India. It is a direct outcome of the 5+3+3+4 ‘curricular and pedagogical’ structure that NEP 2020 has recommended for School Education. The NCF for Foundational Stage  has been developed by NCERT through an extensive consultative process with States & UTs upto grass root level and various institutions and organisations.The National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage and the pilot project of Balvatika 49 Kendriya Vidyalayas were launched by Union Education Minister across the country on 20th Oct 2022 at New Delhi.
- Admission has been given in the Balvatika classes as per priority specified in the admission guidelines and norms of reservation of KVS.
- Curriculum and resource materials prepared by NCERT are being used in these classes.
- Play based activities are predominantly carried out in such classes.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Education, Smt. Annpurna Devi in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Election Commission
Meeting with the Commission of the three Special Observers appointed for Jammu & Kashmir
The Special Central Observers Dr. Noor Mohammad, IAS  , Sh Vinod Zutshi , IAS  and Sh. A.S.Gill, IPS , appointed by the Election Commission of India for assessment of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, met with the Chief Election Commissioner Shri Sunil Arora, Election Commissioners Shri Ashok Lavasa and Shri Sushil Chandra at ECI Headquarters in New Delhi today.
Shri Sunil Arora, Chief Election Commissioner welcomed the Special Central Observers and thanked them for having accepted this onerous and delicate assignment, which entails assessing the situation of J&K on real time basis in the context of para 62 of the Press Statement given by CEC on 10th March, 2019 while making the announcement of the schedule of elections:-
“62.The Commission will be regularly and on real time basis monitoring the situation in J & K and will also be taking inputs from all necessary quarters and decision regarding holding Legislative Assembly elections in J & K will be taken soon.”
During the meeting it was requested to the Special Observers that they may kindly visit the State at the earliest, a suggestion which was accepted by them. Shri Ashok Lavasa and Shri Sushil Chandra, Election Commissioners also briefed them during the interactive session which lasted for almost 2 hours.
DEC-in-charge of the State Mr. Sandeep Saxena briefed them about preparedness of election in J&K and gave other details regarding the State. The Commission discussed with them about their roles and responsibilities. The three Central Observers would be required to visit the State and make a real time assessment of the situation by meeting Political Parties, district and state authorities and other stake holders.
Shri A S Gill has wide experience in field of security management in difficult areas. He was IG:CRPF in J &K between 1995-97 and subsequently superannuated as DG:CRPF. Dr. Noor Mohammad, a former Secretary to Government of India has worked more than a decade in the fields of election management as Chief Electoral Officer of Uttar Pradesh, Deputy Election Commissioner in ECI, international expert and consultant on election in Afghanistan for many years. Shri Vinod Zutshi, former Secretary in the Central Government also has wide experience for more than a decade in elections at the state level as CEO, Rajasthan and at the ECI level as Deputy Election Commissioner for more than five years.
Prime Minister's Office
PM addresses International Convention of Saurashtra Patel Cultural Samaj through video conference
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today addressed the 8th International Convention of Saurashtra Patel Cultural Samaj through video conference. The International Convention of Saurashtra Patel Cultural Samaj is being held in California, United States of America, this year.
Applauding the efforts of NRIs, particularly Saurashtra Patel community, Prime Minister said that NRIs have always made India proud. He added that their efforts have ensured that Indian Passport is respected everywhere.
Prime Minister said that various schemes of the Government, like Swachh Bharat has boosted tourism in the country. He also appealed to NRI community to motivate at least five foreign families to visit India every year for Bharat Darshan. This can pave a new way to serve the purpose of Ek Bharat Shresht Bharat Abhiyan, ultimately providing a great boost to India’s tourism development. He also talked about how NRIs can contribute to the success of Mahatma Gandhi’s dream, Swachh Bharat.
Prime Minister said that India would celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, beginning from 2nd of October. He added that in the name of the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a mammoth Statue of Unity is constructed on River Narmada and it will be completed on 31st October 2018. Once completed, the Statue of Unity will be the highest statue in the world.
Addressing the gathering, Narendra Modi said that India is now seen as a shining star in the world. He added that today India is associated with fast economic growth and honest, transparent governance. Initiatives like GST and strict action against corruption has helped people doing honest business. These initiatives have resulted in 42-place jump in the Ease of Doing Business rankings in the last four years, he added.
Prime Minister also appealed to the NRI community to work towards the dream of creating a New India.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles the loss of lives in Gujarat
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed his grief on the loss of lives due to unseasonal rains and storms in various parts of Gujarat.
“Anguished by the loss of lives due to unseasonal rains and storms in various parts of Gujarat. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Authorities are monitoring the situation very closely. All possible assistance is being given to those affected”, the PM said.
The Prime Minister has approved an ex- gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to unseasonal rain and storms in various parts of Gujarat. The Prime Minister has also approved Rs. 50,000 each for those injured due to unseasonal rain and storms in parts of Gujarat.
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Nehru Yuva Kendra South Kolkata celebrated 72nd Constitution Day
Kolkata, 27th November, 2021
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and sports has stepped-up focus on youth welfare as the nation celebrates 72nd Constitution Day on Friday, 26th November. It said several provisions have been incorporated in the Constitution for safeguarding and promoting the interests and rights of the common people. To disseminate the various aspects of the constitution Nehru Yuva Kendra South Kolkata observed the day with Vinita Foundation and Amit Roy Defence Academy.
Various activities like Open Quiz, seminar/workshop & pledge taking ceremony took place in the programme. More than 80 Youths of age group 18-29 years participated in the event.
CG/CB
(Visitor Counter : 34
Ministry of Law and Justice
Press Communiqué
The President is pleased to appoint Shri Rajiv Kumar the senior-most Election Commissioner, as the Chief Election Commissioner in the Election Commission of India. Shri Rajiv Kumar will assume the charge of office of the Chief Election Commissioner with effect from the 15th May, 2022 vice Shri Sushil Chandra consequent upon his demitting the Office of the Chief Election Commissioner on the 14th May, 2022.
Legislative Department, Ministry of Law & Justice.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Visakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor
The master planning of two nodes of Visakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor  is under way namely  Visakhapatnam and  Yerpedu-Srikalahasti. This information was given by the Minister of State of Commerce and Industry, C. R. Chaudhary, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
After completion of master planning, detailed preliminary engineering and approval of National Industrial Corridor Development and Implementation Trust  Government of India releases funds for projects for development of industrial corridors.
Asian Development Bank  has approved US $631 million, in loans and grants, for VCIC, comprising a Multi-tranche Financing Facility as follows:
- US $500 million two-tranche MFF to build key infrastructure
- US $125 million two-tranche Policy Based Loan  to support policy reforms and institutional development in the state
- US $5 million grant from the multi-donor Urban Climate Change Resilience Trust Fund  to build climate change resilient infrastructure in Visakhapatnam
- US $1 million technical assistance to help the Andhra Pradesh Government implement policy reforms
Four nodes namely: Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Kankipadu-Gannavaram and Yerpedu-Srikalahasti of Andhra Pradesh, have been identified for development in Vishakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor  on the basis of Conceptual Development Plan  prepared by ADB.
Ministry of Defence
FOURTH SUBMARINE OF PROJECT-75 ‘INS VELA’ COMMISSIONED AT NAVAL DOCKYARD, MUMBAI
- Another major milestone for Indian Navy’s Project 75 and Make in India initiative
- INS Vela would form part of the Western Naval Command
- The submarine has advanced stealth features and long range guided torpedoes as well as anti-ship missiles
INS Vela, the fourth submarine in the series of six submarines of Project-75, was commissioned on 25 Nov 21 in the presence of Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of the Naval Staff. The formal commissioning ceremony took place at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. The Scorpene Class submarines are being built in India by the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited  Mumbai, under collaboration with M/s Naval Group , France. The commissioning of the 4th in class submarine is a major milestone achieved today. INS Vela would form part of the Western Naval Command’s Submarine fleet and would be another potent part of its arsenal.
Member of Parliament Shri Arvind Sawant, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chairman & Managing Director, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited Vice Admiral Narayan Prasad  and other senior civil & military officials of Ministry of Defence were present during the commissioning ceremony of INS Vela. Crew of the erstwhile ‘Vela’, a Russian origin Foxtrot Class Submarine, which was decommissioned in 2010, were also present amongst the guests on this occasion.
The Scorpene submarines are extremely potent platforms, they have advanced stealth features and are also equipped with both long range guided torpedoes as well as anti-ship missiles. These submarines have a state of the art SONAR and sensor suite permitting outstanding operational capabilities. They also have an advanced Permanent Magnetic Synchronous motor  as its propulsion motor.
The delivery of Vela is yet another affirmation of the impetus being given by the Indian Navy towards consolidating its position as a ‘Builder’s Navy’ as also indicative of MDL’s capabilities as a premier ship and submarine building yard. The commissioning of the submarine is coinciding with ‘Azaadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ and ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’ celebrations.